Create The Perfect Lawn With Our Turfing & Seeding Service

Lawns are an English obsession, and have been for centuries and around the world they mock the obsession we have with our grass, yet there is no more satisfactory way to spend the weekend than mowing a lawn and smelling that fresh cut smell of grass on a sunny day.

Lawns, like anything else in the garden need care, attention and maintaining to the standard of velvet we expect when we walk across them in bare feet on a summers day. Therefore, you may need a helping hand in reach this goal, and perhaps a new lawn altogether. So, is it Turf or Grass Seed?

Turf or Seed?

Essentially there are two options for creating the perfect lawn for your garden, Turf or Seeding, both have their merits and both have disadvantages. Turfing will bring instant results that you can use with two weeks of laying, but will be more expensive and seeding whilst cheaper will take longer to establish, sometimes up to six weeks.

To create the perfect lawn the ground must be prepared correctly with a good seed bed and debris removed, even with turfing. Good preparation takes time, don't be tricked into cutting corners to save money, you will only have to pay for the repairs later in the life of the lawn.

Turf

Firstly, turfing and seeding are measured and quoted in square meters, and prices for turfing start at around £5.50 - £25.00 per square metre, but typically £8.50 per square metre. Therefore, a lawn area of 200 square metres could cost £1,700.00.

However, costs with turf are variable and this comes down to a variety of factors such as current condition, such as weeds, existing vegetation and the soil profile. Furthermore, the size of the area will have an impact on the price. Ironically larger areas are cheaper per square metre than smaller areas.

The process for turfing is fairly simple, however depending on the size of the area the time to complete will be variable.

Turf is quick to establish and will create an instant lawn, however like everything in our gardens, you should establish a good maintenance programme, including regular fertilising, scarifying and hollow time aeration.

One of the greatest advantages of turfing is that it can be undertaken throughout the year, depending on ground conditions, frost and snow.

A beautiful Lawn Does Not Happen by Itself

Seeding

Seeding again is measured and quoted for in square meters, and prices for seeding vary from around £2.50 - £10. 00 per square metre, but typically £5.00 per square metre. Therefore, a lawn area of 200 square metres could cost £1,000.00.

However, costs with seeding are variable and this comes down to a variety of factors such as current condition, such as weeds, existing vegetation and the soil profile. Furthermore, the size of the area will have an impact on the price. Ironically larger areas are cheaper per square metre than smaller areas.

The process for seeding is fairly simple, however depending on the size of the area the time to complete will be variable.

Seed is slower to establish but will still create a wonderful lawn, however the establishment process does add further cost but is essential and includes broad leaf weed spraying and further fertilisers as the grass establishes. In addition, you should establish a good maintenance programme, including regular fertilising, scarifying and hollow time aeration.

One of the greatest disadvantages of seeding is that it can only be undertaken in spring and autumn when the ground temperatures are at their optimum.

Turfing - The Process

1. Spray the existing surface with a general herbicide to eradicate weeds and vegetation.

2. Strim and collect previously sprayed vegetation approximately one week after application.

3.Approximately ten to fourteen days after the initial herbicide application we will then rotovate the ground to a depth of around 100/150mm. During this process we will remove all rubbish and stones over a certain size (25mm)

4. The ground is then raked flat or level, removing further rubbish and consolidating the ground as we progress. At this stage we may bring in further top soil to fill in hollows, or just add more soil to the garden levels.

5. We then apply a pre turfing fertiliser to the surface, which gives a good balance of essential nutrients to the soil that allows the roots to establish quickly.

6. Once the ground is flat or level we will then start to lay the turf, working from boards so not to damage the turf or create holes within the new seed bed. Never work from the soil or directly on the turf.

7. The turf is pressed firmly into the soil as we progress and the turf is laid in a bonded fashion such as brickwork.

8. Once laid we water thoroughly.

9. The lawn is left to establish and the first cut can be undertaken within two weeks, depending on ground conditions and the seasons.

Seeding - The Process

1. Spray the existing surface with a general herbicide to eradicate weeds and vegetation.

2. Strim and collect previously sprayed vegetation approximately one week after application.

3.Approximately ten to fourteen days after the initial herbicide application we will then rotovate the ground to a depth of around 100/150mm. During this process we will remove all rubbish and stones over a certain size (25mm)

4. The ground is then raked flat or level, removing further rubbish and consolidating the ground as we progress. At this stage we may bring in further top soil to fill in hollows, or just add more soil to the garden levels.

5. We then apply a pre-seed fertiliser to the surface, which gives a good balance of essential nutrients allowing the roots and new seed to establish quickly.

6. Once the ground is flat or level we apply grass seed at around 35/45 grams per square metre which is then raked gently into the surface. The seed is covered with soil by only around 40%, which is the correct ratio for germination.

7. The area is then gently rolled to consolidate the seed and soil together.

8. The lawn is left to establish and the first cut can be undertaken within six weeks, depending on ground conditions and the seasons.

Further Information & Enquiry Form

Preparation is key, use quality turf or seed and remove all rubbish, remember to spray everything off first with a good herbicide.

Turfing can be undertaken at any time during the year subject to workable ground conditions.

Seeding only in the spring and autumn when ground temperatures are above six degrees and there is no risk of frost.

Important Information

Whether you are looking for turfing or seeding we would be delighted to assist in choosing the best option for your investment and discuss the options available.

It is important to remember there are several grades of turf available from cultivated turf using rye grasses to fine cultivated turf suitable for lower cuts and a more prestigious lawn.

In addition, there are dozens of seed mixtures available, from shade and woodland grass seed to bowling green mixtures and everything in between.